Usually, there's a rally on the statehouse steps. For 2018, however, it was a little different.

"We thought if we could put the energy of the rally into the parade and then have a chance for them to talk one-on-one with these policymakers, that the policymakers would really hear the most important part of this which is the story of the individuals," explained Gordon Stone, who in addition to being the mayor of Pike Road, serves as the executive director of the Higher Education Partnership.

"Why did they choose to attend a university? And the ways they want to make our state a better place because that's really what universities are all about. If we could motivate every young person who's a third grader to aspire to have a college education and a degree because they believe they can change this state and change this country, wouldn't that be a great thing?" Stone added.

Students also got the chance to speak with legislators and voice their concerns.

According to the Higher Education Partnership, Alabama’s funding for higher education ranks No. 11 out of the 16 states that make up the Southeast.

“The better we can do to make them more affordable and more accessible, the more likely it is that students from every part of Alabama will pursue that dream and that’s what will change that,” Stone said.

Lashawn Alexander and Alexia Huguley are both seniors at Auburn University at Montgomery and both are first-generation college students.

“My parents didn’t have that opportunity or the funding to go to college," Alexander said, "so it feels good that I can do that and do something with my life.”

“My parents, they didn’t have the opportunity to go to school, so like working in plants and all, so this is for them,” Huguley said.

Alexander wants to be an occupational therapist while Huguley aspires to be an optometrist. Both said they need more funding to continue their education.

“We need this money so we can finish strong, go on to higher education, more higher education, and get a degree,” Alexander said.

The more money given to supporting higher education means lower tuition costs.

Alabama has long exempted daycares that claim a religious affiliation from the requirement to get a state license and standards. That will change if Gov. Ivey signs new legislation. (Source: WSFA 12 News file photo)

Alabama lawmakers have voted to give the state limited oversight over faith based daycares. The Alabama Senate voted 22-4 on Thursday for the compromise legislation.

Monday, the AEA announced a check in the amount the system was due had been given to MPS. (Source: WSFA 12 News)

The cash-strapped Montgomery Public School System has been repaid the nearly $1.4 million it should have received from the Alabama Department of Education, the Alabama Education Association confirmed Monday.

The cash-strapped Montgomery Public School System has been repaid the nearly $1.4 million it should have received from the Alabama Department of Education, the Alabama Education Association confirmed Monday.